It's Not Easy Being Green: Part Two.

So, when last we left the Sustainable Household, we were discussing Water. Most Important. And then there are other elements to make a House a Home that is more livable. When Casita Dos Arbolitos was first inhabited, the Solar Electric Panel were still months away. Thanks to Brian, from Apollo Electric (see the Technologies in MapaVerde), when the Casita did get solar electricity, it exceeded the needs of its inhabitants.
Before the solar electricity was installed, there were chores that were best served by human power. For example, everyday, the roof tinaco had to have water carried up to it, so that the shower and sinks would be functional. This was about 5 to 6 5-Gallon Buckets a day; first, while the stairs were being finished, up a ladder; then directly---and more easily---up the stairs themselves. [This, by the way, turned out to be a competent way to measure water consumption] And then there was laundry; this, done with buckets of water, a grape/clothes-stomping method o agitation, and hand-wringing. Both of these above activities were labor intensive. But they made the solar electricity seem that much more magical and gave the people at the Casita 9 an appreciation of what it was like before relatively "modern times. [A Note: Even(i.e., Eddie and Kathy) as most residents of the Sustainable Neighborhood of San Jose de Gracia have solar electricity, not everyone in the Village of SJdG has electricity in their homes yet. And many of those that do, don't have ll of the modern conveniences, such as a washing machine]
Refrigeration was another issue at the Casita, before the panels were installed. This meant going to town every other day to supply ice to keep things cool. To one who is trying to live sustainably, this continual trekking to town is not conducive.
When Brian from Apollo installed the system, he warned the owners that the system was small (at that time 350 Watts) and that it was only good for lighting and some general uses such as a washing machine during daylight hours. No refrigeration, for sure. [It must be noted here that Brian, considered one of the best Solar technicians in SMA, is also known to be an energy fascist] After monitoring the system for two months, Eddie and Kathy bought a small refrigerator, which they used for some month before upgrading to a larger refrigerator (again, after monitoring usage). The point here is that a little electricity, monitored and used moderately, goes a long way.
With the addition of another panel, Casita Dos Arbolitos now has about 500 Watts of solar which is more than adequate for the needs for both it and the Guest/Garden Room). A system like this costs about $8000 USD; larger system, of course, cost more, but can served the needs of those who would prefer to not spend as much attention (though, in living the sustainable lifestyle, paying attention is a plus). The system a the Casita has 8 batteries for storage and a 1500 Watt Inverter to change the DC electricity to AC. There is room for more panels and batteries. Recommendations for a solid system would be to have the 8 batteries, 600+ Watts of panels, and a larger---1800+---inverter.
More on Living Green, later.